Grandson and friend remanded for rape, death of nonagenarian

Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday August 9, 2018 15:57

 

The nonagenarian was sleeping at her house where she stayed with his grandson when she was raped.

According to police findings, upon arrival at home, late at night, the grandson and the teenage friend allegedly broke into grandmother's house before they sexually abused her.

The two young men disappeared after the alleged crime but were later arrested in the village the next day. The old woman had identified his grandson. She was taken to Sekgoma memorial hospital for medical examination.

The examinations confirmed that indeed she was sexually abused and she was immediately released. Two days later she was readmitted at the hospital complaining of bodily pains. She later succumbed to the pains in the hospital bed.

Her corpse has been sent to for postmortem examination to establish the cause of death.

Officer Commanding District No.2 senior superintendent Agreement Mapeu said if it could be established that her death is linked to the rape incident, the charge sheet would be amended.

The police officer said they understand that the woman was too old, but there is a need to ascertain that the incident could not have contributed to her death. The two accused have appeared before the Serowe Magistrate Court.

The police said they suspect that the two could have been under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

“They are due to appear again for mention soon and their charges may change. The old woman’s body is awaiting postmortem examination and if we could find out that there could be strangulation or bodily harm they could be charged with rape and murder,” Mapeu declared this week.

He said rape crime is a challenge in his policing area. He noted that they record at least five rape matters every month end. The problem is generally, perpetuated by abuse of alcohol.

“We have established teams that go around the village and settlements to enforce the law at the drinking holes and our efforts are bearing fruits. The numbers are going down but there is more to be done,” he said.